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Coach Tips

This is the first of an occasional series of tips from Michael Karlin and
Robin Corbett.

Coach Tip #1 - COACHES, DON'T PLAY IN PRACTICES.

Remember, even a small adult looks like a giant to a
5-, 6- or 7-year-old.
You tower over them and it's intimidating when a large adult tells the player
to run at, dribble past or shoot past the coach or if the coach or a parent
is simply standing in the goal or, worst of all, if the coach challenges a
player for the ball or plays keep away. The kids get frustrated and anxious.

So, please, stay out of the way. Let the players play. If you have to
demonstrate something with a child, try to get help from an older sibling or
be at least be aware of the size disparity and adjust for it as you show the
players what to do.

Bonus tip: When talking to young players, get down on one knee. Engage them at
their height.

Future tips will cover Standing and Moving, Talking to 5-Year-olds, Planning a Session
and Sunshine and Sunglasses. Send us your best tips at
coach@ayso76.org. We'll publish the
best them and award you a 100% increase in your coaching salary, just like the
one we get every year!